Google is exiting the domain name registration business.
This is not the first time that Google has discontinued a product or service. In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to tracking the many products that have been “killed by Google.”
The acquisition would make Squarespace one of the largest domain name registrars in the world, behind only GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Tucows in terms of total number of registered domain names. “Domains are a critical part of web infrastructure and an essential component of every business’s online presence,” said Squarespace founder and CEO Anthony Casalena in a statement.
“We look forward to serving these new customers as we have served millions using our domain products, and we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition.”
Google Domains only recently emerged from beta testing. Google Domains often received positive reviews from customers for its simple and focused user interface, which was in stark contrast to some of its competitors, who often offer additional services such as web hosting and domain name aftermarket sales.
However, Google has announced that running a domain registrar no longer fits into the company’s plans. While the company did not explicitly say so, domain name registrars are notoriously a low-margin business, with companies making very little profit per domain name registered. This is why many registrars offer those additional services.
According to Squarespace, the company will “honor current domain name renewal prices for Google Domains current customers for at least 12 months after the close of the acquisition.” In addition, Squarespace will become Google’s exclusive domain name provider for Workspace customers for at least three years.
Current domain name customers will continue to be hosted by Google Domains until the end of the transition period. However, they may choose to transfer their domain to another domain name registrar at any time.
